Vegetarian food in Vietnam

When you think of food in Vietnam, you think of a cuisine rich in meat-based delicacies. However, this is not always correct, as Vietnamese cuisine has a very large and diverse range. In fact, fresh vegetables and leafy greens are an essential part of most of the country’s specialities. Read on to learn more about vegetarian food in Vietnam. And while you're planning your culinary adventure, remember that comprehensive Travel Insurance for Vietnam can provide peace of mind for your entire journey.

What to expect?

As mentioned above, Vietnamese food is usually associated with non-vegetarian food items. But you will be surprised to know that the famed noodle soups, rice paper wraps and desserts are all available in vegetarian varieties as well.

Pho, the globally renowned Vietnamese noodle soup, has a delicious vegetarian variant made with mushrooms, ginger and soy sauce. You can also get delicious rice paper rolls made with carrots, capsicum and tofu. For desserts, you can try the mouth-wateringly delicious rice puddings that are essentially made with coconut and rice.

Therefore, you won't feel left out if you are a vegetarian travelling to Vietnam. Try the local food and savour the flavours. Just ensure the broth is plant-based, as a lot of times, the broth used to cook the main dish is meat-based. Check with the chef or the server before you place your order and convey your preferences clearly to them.

Where to look?

1. Dedicated veg restaurants

Many local Vietnamese restaurants only serve vegetarian food. You will find these eateries in all the big towns and cities of the country. It would help you to do your research and find out about the exact locations ahead of time so that you do not waste any time searching for a place to eat when you arrive at your destination.

2. Markets and stalls

Some of the most delicious and truly authentic Vietnamese dishes are available at the local markets and food stalls. Street food is quite famous in Vietnam and it is something that you absolutely must try! Thankfully, a lot of these small eateries and stalls offer vegetarian dishes, so you can binge to your heart’s content.

3. 1st and 15th of the month

It is very interesting to know that several Vietnamese people eat vegetarian food on the 1st and the 15th of each month. This is mainly a religious practice. Hence, a lot of restaurants have special meals and menus and even turn completely veg on these days. As a vegetarian traveller, make the most of it and try lip-smacking food on the 1st and the 15th of every month.

What to order?

Now that you know you get amazing veg dishes in Vietnam, go ahead and make a list of what to order on your visit to a local restaurant in the country. Here are some ideas for you:

1. Phở chay

Phở chay is a traditional Vietnamese noodle broth, made with the freshest of vegetables and the perfect blend of spices. It is one of the most sought-after dishes, and you cannot leave Vietnam without trying a bowl of this delicious soup that warms your throat and your heart!

2. Bánh mì chay

Another popular Vietnamese staple, the Bánh mì chay is a sandwich with shredded vegetables and a heady mix of the best sauces and spices. These sift sandwiches can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

3. Gỏi cuốn chay

Spring rolls are a stand-out attraction of Vietnamese street food, so when you are in the country, you should not let go of an opportunity to try some. The Gỏi cuốn chay is a delicious spring roll made with a thin rice paper cover and a generous stuffing of fresh vegetables inside, all tied together with the perfect blend of spices.

4. Mì xào chay

Noodles are synonymous with Asian food and how can you leave Vietnam without relishing on the best noodles? The Mì xào chay, a vegetarian stir-fried noodle, is the perfect dish for you. Made with glassy noodles, crunchy veggies and the tastiest sauces, you cannot stop at just one serving and will surely come back for more.

5. Nộm hoa chuối

If you wish to try a very unique, yet extremely delicious dish, go for the Nộm hoa chuối. A flavorful salad made with banana flowers and served with a dash of lime, this beautiful dish is appealing to look at and devour.

Not only do these dishes sound amazing, but they taste heavenly too! You must give a few, or all, of them a try when you visit Vietnam. There are several other options, so do your research and see what you wish to have.

Best vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam

1. Bánh mì Long - Hanoi

2. Katze Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant - Hanoi

3. Shamballa Vegetarian, Restaurant & Tea House - Ho Chi Minh City

4. Pi Vegetarian Bistro - Ho Chi Minh City

5. Chay Corner - Da Nang

6. Bao An Macrobiotic - Da Nang

Options for Indian travellers

Indian restaurants are popular everywhere, and so, you find quite a few of them in the major cities of Vietnam as well. Here are some options specially catered to Indian vegetarian tourists in Vietnam:

1. The best Indian eateries

As stated, Indian food is so popular that you find an Indian food joint everywhere you go! If you are in Hanoi, you can visit excellent restaurants such as Spices Taste of India, Tadka Indian Restaurant or RK Spice. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Namaste India or Mom’s Indian Cuisine. Several places serve authentic Indian food, cooked by Indian chefs, so you can eat to your heart’s content.

2. Vegan restaurants

Veganism is very trendy these days and you find vegan restaurants everywhere you go. If you want to be absolutely sure about the food you consume, you may consider visiting a vegan joint. Not only will you get vegetarian options, but you will also find a greater selection of dishes. From local Vietnamese food to continental fare, you may get it all in such a restaurant.

3. Cafes

Cafes are a great spot to grab a quick beverage along with a cookie. You can savour the Vietnamese coffee, have some hot chocolate or sip on some iced tea while you take a break from your sightseeing. These are another great option for vegetarians travelling to Vietnam.

You will not have a problem finding good and delicious vegetarian food in Vietnam, so do not worry about anything other than having a great time in this marvellous country!

Tips to eat well

If you are an Indian vegetarian tourist in Vietnam and are not comfortable with the local food options, here are some handy tips for you: Beyond just food, remember to ensure your overall well-being; having robust International Travel Insurance can be incredibly beneficial for any unexpected health issues or travel mishaps.

1. Book a hotel with breakfast

Most hotel reservations these days come with a complimentary breakfast service. Book a hotel that has a good breakfast buffet. You will find many vegetarian options such as milk and cereal, fresh fruits, bread and butter, cakes and coffee, and so on. Fill up heartily on breakfast so that you are properly fuelled for the day ahead. You may just snack when you go sightseeing if your stomach is full. Keep having lots of water and you should be able to have a nice time.

2. Cook your own food (AirBnB)

Your next option is to book a serviced apartment with a kitchen. You can buy groceries from a local supermarket and cook your own food. This helps especially if you have some important dietary restrictions, if you travel with kids or elderly parents and so on. It is easy to find basic staples like milk, rice and flour and also a variety of fresh vegetables. Make a basic meal and enjoy it without having to worry about eating the local food.

3. Carry packaged food from India

You can carry a variety of dry, packaged food from India. Consider carrying thepla, kharka, puffed rice, biscuits, mixture and other food items that you can much on whenever you want. You can also carry read-to-cook meals that simply need to be warmed up in a microwave oven.

4. Book a special tour package

Last but not least, consider booking an all-inclusive package tour. Your meals will be included in this. You can specifically book Indian vegetarian meals and the tour operator will arrange for all your meals. This is very popular for group bookings and is a safe option for travellers who are very particular about their food options.

As you can see, there are several ways in which you can get food from a known source. Many Indians have inhibitions about eating vegetarian food from kitchens that also prepare meat-based items. It is an understandable inhibition. If you have a similar situation, follow the above-mentioned tips and get the job done easily.